The absolute rivalry for being the favorite drink of Venezuelans. Learn about their great stories, memorable commercials, and clever fun facts.
In the course of Venezuelan history, a series of non-alcoholic beverages have appeared that have been especially important in the consumption of the population and that have captivated the affection of all Venezuelan palate in different ways.
However, Polar Malt and Frescolita have been the greatest exponents and opponents in completely winning the Venezuelan heart and being the most popular drink in the country.
As a result, we wanted to make a compilation and a direct face-to-face between these 2 flagship drinks of Venezuela, detailing different characteristics of both and the passage of their development from their birth until today, opening the debate of which is better to through all the extraordinary details that will be exposed below:
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What is Polar Malt?
Let’s start with La Malta Polar, which is a carbonated malt-based drink from Venezuela that does not contain even a minimum of alcohol and is popularly known as Maltín Polar as a Venezuelan brand of malts produced by Polar Companies, part of PepsiCo, and managed by the Polar Brewery Division.
It has the peculiar characteristic that it does not have any schedule for its consumption, since it can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Besides, it has become extremely popular when consumed in sunny environments such as on a beach, or it is the perfect companion to an empanada, appearing that famous slogan “it is what we like” referring to this combination or that malt will always be a good idea for every occasion.
How did Polar Malt come about and why did it change its name to Polar Malt?
This drink appears on October 27, 1948 in the Polar Brewery of Barcelona, Anzoátegui State under the name of “Malta Polar”; however, its sale was initially forbidden by the government of Marcos Pérez Jiménez since the can show a mother showing her breast and breastfeeding, being an image of breastfeeding that according to the rulers violated morality.
With the passing of time and exactly, on October 29 after the controversy, Malta Polar renews its image and commercial name to “Maltín Polar” so that from that date it can be commercialized among Venezuelans, obtaining an excellent reception from immediate by consumers.
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How is Polar Maltín prepared?
It is made with water, malted barley, caramel, or corn and, to finish, carbon dioxide gas is what provides all the bubbles and turns it into a fizzy drink. Malted barley, or Malt, is prepared with sprouted and roasted barley grains in a process known as malting.
At first the grain germinates, then the enzymes are activated, transforming the starch into sugar, then it is dehydrated so as not to cause instant fermentation, finally it is roasted, becoming malt, and ceasing to be cereal.
What variations has Polar Maltín had?
Since its inception, the drink had been marketed in the form of a can and glass bottle for individuals, since 2005 began the distribution of Malt bottled in plastic as a family version, in capacities of one and a half liters and 2 liters correspondingly.
Later in 2006, Maltín Polar Light takes place, a version sweetened with Splenda, with fewer calories and prepared with natural elements.
Then in 2008, the Maltín Polar Frussion appeared, which combined malt with peach nectar, it was withdrawn from sale almost immediately, as it did not have the expected success.
Finally, in 2013, Mantekado Dinamico and Chokolate Volcánico were born, which combined malt with chocolate or ice cream as their names indicate.\
Why is Maltín Polar recommended by doctors and specialists?
Doctors always advise consuming this drink to all patients who are in full recovery after surgery as well as mothers who are breastfeeding since the drink contains the phosphorus compound, which helps the growth of bones in a way.
Strong and healthy, it acts as a hormonal and cholesterol regulator that contributes positively to concentration and improves blood flow, being very essential for the human body.
What is the Frescolita?
It is a carbonated drink of a translucent red color and vanilla flavor, without alcohol, whose flavor is commonly known as “kolita”, being the name by which the Venezuelan locates and refers to it.
It is not a very sugary drink; however, it has an overly sweet taste thanks to its unique formula produced in Venezuela. This drink is a great companion for lunches, snacks, birthdays, parties and in the west of the country it is used regularly to bake cakes in the oven.
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How were its birth, vindication and transformation?
Frescolita began in 1956 by the Pepsi-Cola company, known at that time as “Red Cream”, being a soft red drink with a tutti frutti flavor. In that same year, the Vice President of the Orlando Cuevas company realized that the brand did not market very well, as a result they began to investigate and concluded that the inhabitants normally asked for the soft drinks for their “taste” and not for the “Mark”.
It was then that after conducting a study with the best-selling tails on the market at that time (Cola Vitoria, Kola Dumbo and Colita Cristal) and substituting the flavor of tutti frutti for vanilla, the brand was completely reformed, calling itself “Frescolita” as we currently know;
Thus, it had an immediate recognition among Venezuelans, so much so that the use of the adjective “fresh” was implemented to refer to the drink.
Over time, in 1996 it became a Coca-Cola brand, since the brand was a tremendous success, which was taken advantage of by the company buying Hit and Frescolita.
What variations does the brand have and why has it been renewed?
Frescolita had until 2013 an image that lacked life and was somewhat outdated. That is why an image with a very authentic design immediately appears, with a more current and contemporary logo.
In it, an image and very vivid colors stand out, highlighting that red color strikingly and interestingly and very dynamic typography, characteristics that promote the unique flavor that the product contains and that catapulted it as a traditional brand in the country.
Besides, and although the frescolita is not to put on the market any type of variation of the product, in 2016 an edition without calories appears because of some problems of inventory of sugar that the company had in the country, although later it continued in the market as part of The Coca-Cola Company’s global campaign.
It is practically impossible to keep only one of these 2 soft drinks and choose an absolute winner, since the 2 brands have been particularly important for all consumers in the country, until they became symbolic products for young people and adults.
The 2 are very tasty and just as enjoyable, that is why we will always remember them with great affection and above all, we will want to continue enjoying them at every possible moment.
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